BPN Taps Leaders Across PA for Board of Directors

The Burn Prevention Network (BPN) recently appointed three new members to its board of directors. Those joining the board are Ariel Aballay, MD, FACS – Medical Director of the West Penn Burn Center, Allegheny Health Network; Emily Goldman, MSW, LSW, a burn survivor and social worker; and Vanessa Hartline, Director of Cash Management at PPL Corporation.

Aballay’s first-hand experience working with and caring for burn victims gives him a deep passion for preventing any family from suffering through the trauma of a serious burn injury. This passion led him to join the American Burn Association’s Prevention Committee. There, he worked with BPN Associate Executive Director, Jess Banks. Together with the rest of the committee, they worked to identify and promote prevention best practices that could be replicated in other communities. He partnered with BPN Executive Director & CEO, Corissa Rolon, to host a Pittsburgh press conference and hour-long KDKA radio show to educate the public about consumer firework safety in the weeks before Independence Day 2023. As a new board member, he hopes to add his expertise in burn prevention best practices and his knowledge of burn survivors and their needs.

Goldman discovered BPN when she was seeking opportunities to volunteer with the local burn survivor community. BPN’s Camp Susquehanna, a sleep-away camp, and year-round activities for burn survivors, was a perfect fit. Emily joined the Camp Susquehanna team as a counselor for the Pixies – girls ages 14-17. She is a licensed clinical social worker and previously served as a board member for the White Marsh Township Emergency Services Board and the Burn Foundation of Philadelphia. She completed training at the Nathan Speare Regional Burn Treatment Center, Crozer Health to work as a peer mentor with other burn survivors. Goldman and her husband, Adam, are founding members of BPN’s Maltese Cross Leadership Giving Society that promotes individual giving for BPN’s vital programs. She brings her knowledge of social work and the burn survivor perspective to the BPN Board of Directors.

Hartline discovered BPN when Russ Clelland, BPN’s current Treasurer and Hartline’s former supervisor, began to share his experiences. Over the years, Hartline learned that her employer is a long-time supporter of BPN’s programs and events. With Clelland ending his term in the fall of 2024, the organization sought members with strong financial backgrounds to serve on the Finance/Audit committee. As a new board member, she is looking forward to bringing her expertise and commitment to financial best practices.

“Burn Prevention Network is excited to welcome Ariel, Emily and Vanessa to the board of directors,” says Corissa Rolón, CEO and executive director of BPN. “As an organization, we value and seek out professionals with personal and professional experience, regional knowledge, and varied opinions. I’m excited to learn from Ariel, Emily and Vanessa and see how their unique perspectives will help further our mission of education, prevention, and support.”